How to get from Helsinki Vantaa Airport to Helsinki Cathedral

Helsinki Vantaa Airport (HEL) is only about 20 km from the city centre, and getting from the terminal to the steps of Helsinki Cathedral is easy by airport train, city bus, taxi or hire car; this guide walks you through each option with times, costs and step-by-step directions so you can pick the right route for your budget and arrival time.

At A Glance (Helsinki Vantaa Airport to Helsinki Cathedral)

Mode	Duration	Best For
🚆 Airport Train I/P + Walk or Tram	~30–35 min to Central Station + 10–15 min walk/tram	Fast, reliable, great value
🏷️ Cost: ~€4–5 one-way (HSL ABC single ticket) » airport train info | onward trains & buses
🚌 HSL Bus 600 + Walk or Tram	~35–50 min to city + 10–15 min walk/tram	Cheapest, simple surface route
🏷️ Cost: ~€4–5 one-way (same ABC ticket as train) » bus 600 timetable
🚖 Taxi, Ride-hailing or Private Transfer	~30–60 min, traffic-dependent	Door-to-door comfort, late arrivals
🏷️ Cost: ~€40–70 per car one-way » prebooked transfers | airport transfer options
🚗 Rental Car / Self-drive	~30–45 min drive	Road trips, onward countryside travel
🏷️ Cost: ~€40–80/day rental + fuel/parking » compare car rentals | scooters & bikes

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

• Fastest / Most Reliable: Airport trains I and P are usually the quickest into the city, with frequent departures and no traffic jams.
• Cheapest & Still Easy: HSL bus 600 uses the same inexpensive ABC ticket as the train and is a good choice if you prefer staying above ground.
• Most Comfortable Door-to-Door: Taxi, ride-hailing or private transfer is best if you’re exhausted, arriving late at night, have kids or bulky luggage.
• Best for Road Trips & Day Excursions: Renting a car works well if you’re heading onwards to places like Porvoo, Nuuksio National Park or the Finnish Lakeland and only passing through the cathedral area.

How to Book and Practical Tips

• Use HSL’s ABC tickets: Both the airport trains and bus 600 require an ABC zone ticket; buy it from ticket machines, R-kioski kiosks, the HSL app or directly with contactless payment on card readers.
• Time your visit with cathedral opening hours: Check service times and possible events at Helsinki Cathedral before you travel, then pick the train or bus that gets you there in time for a relaxed visit.
• Prebook for peace of mind: If you prefer a driver waiting at arrivals, compare fixed-price airport transfers on GetYourGuide or Trip.com airport transfer listings, or arrange a private car via Welcome Pickups or GetTransfer.
• Plan accommodation around transport: Staying near Helsinki Central or Senate Square keeps journeys simple; compare hotels and apartments on Booking.com Helsinki stays, or look for hotels specifically near Helsinki Cathedral on Trip.com.
• Sort luggage if you’re too early to check in: Stash bags in city lockers or with partner shops using Radical Storage Helsinki so you can visit Helsinki Cathedral hands-free.
• Think ahead about onward travel: If Helsinki is just your first stop, you can compare intercity routes (for example to Tampere, Turku or Rovaniemi) via Helsinki Central using 12Go alongside national rail options.

🚆 Option #1 — Airport Train I/P + Walk or Tram (Fast & Good Value)

Fast Frequent One easy change

• Overview: Trains I and P run from the airport’s underground station on the Ring Rail Line to Helsinki Central Station in about 30–35 minutes. From there, it’s a 10–15 minute walk or short tram ride to Helsinki Cathedral and the Old Town area around Senate Square.
• How to book (with price): Buy an ABC single ticket (~€4–5) from HSL ticket machines in the terminal, the HSL mobile app, or by tapping a contactless Visa/Mastercard or phone on the blue card reader. Your ticket covers the entire journey airport → city centre → cathedral within its validity. For onward regional trains beyond Helsinki, you can also check routes and prices on 12Go’s Helsinki station page.
• Pros: Usually the fastest and most reliable option; frequent departures; no traffic; easy to use even with limited Finnish.
• Cons: Requires a change at Central Station (walk or tram) with luggage; less convenient very late at night when frequencies drop.
• Official info: See detailed timetables and station maps on the HSL airport train page and access information from the airport operator on Finavia’s Helsinki Airport transport page.

Step-by-step: Airport Train I/P

1. After landing, follow the blue train icons and signs for Railway Station / Juna / Tåg from the arrivals hall down to the airport train station.
2. At the entrance to the platforms, buy an ABC ticket from the HSL ticket machines (multiple languages) or use the HSL app. If you prefer, simply select zones on the card reader and tap your contactless card or phone to buy a single ticket.
3. Proceed to the platform for trains I and P. Both serve Helsinki Central Station; take whichever departs first, as the total travel time is similar.
4. Ride to Helsinki Central Station (Helsingin päärautatieasema). Keep your ticket handy—inspectors may check it on board.
5. From Central Station, choose either to walk (~10–15 minutes via Keskuskatu and Aleksanterinkatu) or to take a tram (for example lines passing via Senaatintori or Aleksanterinkatu—check the HSL journey planner).
6. Alight near Senate Square / Senaatintori and walk the short final stretch up the steps to Helsinki Cathedral.

Getting to the main embarking points (Airport Train Station & Helsinki Central)

• From Arrivals (T2): The train station is directly connected to the terminal via indoor corridors and escalators—no need to exit the building first.
• From airport hotels: Many hotels around the airport offer shuttles or are within walking distance of the terminal; walk or shuttle back to the terminal, then follow signs for the trains.
• From Helsinki Central to the cathedral: Follow street signs for Senaatintori / Senate Square, or use an HSL tram heading toward the historic centre and alight at the nearest stop to the cathedral.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚌 Option #2 — HSL Bus 600 + Walk or Tram (Simple, Budget)

Low cost Street level Traffic-dependent

• Overview: HSL bus 600 runs between Helsinki Airport and Helsinki city centre, stopping near the Central Station area. From there, you can walk or take a quick tram to Helsinki Cathedral. It’s handy if you prefer buses over trains or if you’re staying near one of the bus’s central stops.
• How to book (with price): Use the same ABC ticket (~€4–5) you’d use on the train. Buy it from HSL machines, the HSL app, R-kioski shops or with contactless card at the reader on board. The ticket is valid for transfers to trams or trains within its time limit.
• Pros: Budget-friendly; direct from terminal forecourt; good sightseeing of suburbs and the approach into the city.
• Cons: Slower and more subject to traffic than the train, especially at rush hour or during bad weather.
• Official info: Current schedule and stop list are on the HSL bus 600 page and route guidance is also available via the Finavia access page.

Step-by-step: HSL Bus 600

1. From arrivals, follow signs for Buses / Linja-autot to the bus area just outside the terminal.
2. Locate the stop for Bus 600 heading toward Helsinki city centre.
3. Buy an ABC ticket beforehand (machine, app, or R-kioski) or tap your contactless card/phone on the reader when boarding to purchase a single ticket.
4. Ride the bus toward the city; keep an eye on the onboard stop display or map app for stops near the Central Station / Rautatientori area.
5. Alight near Helsinki Central Station, then walk or transfer to a tram toward Senate Square / Helsinki Cathedral.
6. Walk the final few minutes up the hill from Senate Square to the cathedral steps.

Getting to the main embarking points (Airport Bus Stops & Central Helsinki)

• Airport bus stands: Located just outside the terminal buildings; look for HSL-branded stops and the number 600 on the digital displays.
• Finding your stop in the city: Check maps in the HSL app or on stop displays for stops closest to Central Station or the Market Square/Senate Square area.
• Connecting trams: You can transfer to trams serving the historic centre using the same ABC ticket as long as it is still valid.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚖 Option #3 — Taxi, Ride-hailing or Private Transfer (Door-to-door)

Most convenient Door-to-door Highest cost

• Overview: Licensed taxis wait at official ranks outside arrivals and will take you directly to your hotel near Helsinki Cathedral or to Senate Square itself, usually in about 30–45 minutes depending on traffic.
• How to book (with price): Expect roughly €40–70 per car to central Helsinki. You can queue at the official taxi rank, use ride-hailing apps like Uber and Bolt, or prebook a driver. For advance reservations and fixed prices, consider services such as Welcome Pickups, GetTransfer, GetYourGuide airport transfers or Trip.com transfer services.
• Pros: No need to handle luggage on public transport; ideal late at night, in bad weather or with young children and mobility issues.
• Cons: Significantly more expensive than train or bus; travel time can increase during peak traffic or on snowy days.
• Official info: Finavia provides details on authorised taxi companies and pick-up areas on its Helsinki Airport access page.

Step-by-step: Taxi / Ride-hailing / Private Transfer

1. After baggage claim, exit into the arrivals hall and follow signs for Taxis. The official taxi rank is directly outside the terminal.
2. If taking a metered taxi, join the queue and tell the driver your destination (for example, your hotel near Helsinki Cathedral or simply Helsinki Cathedral / Tuomiokirkko).
3. If you’ve prebooked with Welcome Pickups, GetTransfer, GetYourGuide or through Trip.com, follow the instructions in your confirmation email to meet your driver (usually at arrivals with a sign).
4. For ride-hailing apps, request your car once you’re in the arrivals hall with Wi‑Fi or data, then walk to the indicated pick-up point when the app tells you to.
5. Ride directly to your hotel or to the streets around Senate Square; many drivers can drop you at a convenient corner from which you walk the last metres to the cathedral.

Getting to the main embarking points (Taxi Ranks & Pick-up Zones)

• Airport taxi ranks: Clearly signed outside the main arrivals area; only licensed taxis may use these spaces.
• Ride-hailing pick-ups: Check in-app maps for the exact pick-up bay; they’re typically close to the standard taxi area.
• Drop-off near Helsinki Cathedral: Much of the immediate cathedral square is pedestrianised; ask the driver to drop you on nearby streets such as Unioninkatu or Snellmaninkatu for a short walk up to the cathedral.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚗 Option #4 — Rental Car or Scooter (Best for Road Trips)

Flexible Great for onward travel City parking costs

• Overview: If Helsinki Cathedral is only your first stop before exploring the rest of southern Finland, renting a car at the airport lets you drive directly to the city centre, then continue to places like Porvoo, Turku, Nuuksio National Park or beyond.
• How to book (with price): Expect a small car to cost roughly €40–80 per day depending on season, plus fuel and parking. Compare international and local rental brands at the airport on Booking.com Car Rental. If you prefer two wheels in the city or coastal paths, compare scooters and bikes on BikesBooking Helsinki.
• Pros: Maximum flexibility for day trips and countryside stays; ideal for families or small groups sharing costs.
• Cons: Parking in central Helsinki can be expensive and spaces limited; snow and ice in winter demand confident driving and winter-equipped vehicles.
• Official info: See driving directions from the airport and parking guidance on the Finavia access page and city parking rules from Helsinki’s municipal websites.

Step-by-step: Rental Car / Self-drive

1. After arrivals, follow signs for Car rental / Autonvuokraus to the rental desks inside or just outside the terminal.
2. Complete your paperwork, pick up the keys and locate your vehicle in the designated parking area.
3. Use your GPS or phone to set your destination to Helsinki Cathedral or Senate Square.
4. Drive from the airport to the city via the main arterial roads (such as Route 45 or the Ring roads), following signs for Helsinki Centre / Helsinki Keskusta.
5. Near the cathedral, look for public parking garages or on-street paid parking zones; obey posted time and payment rules.
6. Park and walk the final few minutes to the cathedral and surrounding Old Town sights.

Getting to the main embarking points (Rental Desks & City Parking)

• Airport rental desks: Clustered around the arrivals hall or in an attached building, with clear signage from baggage claim.
• Helsinki city parking: The city centre has various parking garages within walking distance of Helsinki Cathedral; check height restrictions if you’re in a larger vehicle.
• Winter driving tips: In snowy months, ensure your rental has proper winter tyres and leave extra time for the drive into town.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Helsinki Vantaa Airport to Helsinki Cathedral)

How long does it take to get from Helsinki Airport to Helsinki Cathedral?
Most travellers take around 40–60 minutes door-to-door. The train is usually 30–35 minutes to Central Station plus a 10–15 minute walk or tram ride; taxis and rental cars can be as quick as 30–40 minutes outside rush hour but may be slower in heavy traffic.

Which ticket zones do I need for public transport from the airport?
Helsinki Airport lies in zone C, while the city centre and Helsinki Cathedral are in zone A, so you need an ABC zone ticket on HSL services (train or bus). This one ticket covers your whole journey within its validity, including transfers between train, bus and tram.

Can I pay for the train or bus with a contactless bank card?
Yes. HSL allows you to buy adult single tickets by tapping a contactless Visa or Mastercard (or compatible phone wallet) on the blue card readers on trains, buses and trams. Choose your zones on the reader, tap your card and keep it handy as your ticket for any inspections.

Is a taxi safe and reliable from Helsinki Airport at night?
Licensed taxis from the official airport ranks are generally safe and reliable, even late at night. For extra peace of mind, you can prebook with services like Welcome Pickups, GetTransfer, or transfer products on GetYourGuide and Trip.com.

Where should I stay if I want easy access to Helsinki Cathedral?
Look for accommodation in or near the city centre, especially around Helsinki Central Station, Senate Square or the nearby Kruununhaka and Kluuvi districts. This keeps your arrival transfer simple and lets you walk to Helsinki Cathedral in a few minutes. Compare options on Booking.com Helsinki or using city-centre filters on Trip.com.